Mark Ludmon reviews Janet Moran’s comedy A Holy Show at Pleasance Courtyard at Edinburgh Fringe
A Holy Show Pleasance Courtyard, Edinburgh Fringe
Four stars
The premise to Janet Moran’s comedy A Holy Show is absurd: an Australian former monk hijacks a flight from Dublin to London demanding that the Pope publish the details of a heavenly vision reported by a 10-year-old girl decades earlier. But the twist is that it is all based on a real-life event in 1981. Through the blessed miracle of theatre, the ups and downs of the ill-fated Aer Lingus flight are brought to colourful life by just two actors, Catriona Ennis and Patrick Moy.
Directed by Moran, the pair impressively switch between a plane-load of characters using skilful changes in accent, posture and expression, from flight attendants Belinda and Trish to two elderly sisters, a newlywed couple, and a boss and his put-upon PA. Although the play draws out the humour in religion, it is warm-hearted and recognises how no Roman Catholic can ever truly shake off their beliefs.
A Holy Show is fast paced and funny and, as the drama unfolds, it adds a more touching note, celebrating the small acts of heroism and humanity of people in adversity. Full of energy and insight, this is a delightful and entertaining show which is remarkable in being Moran’s solo writing and directing debut.
Running to 26 August 2019.
Mark Ludmon has been a journalist for over 20 years, specialising in writing about theatre and the arts as well as bars, pubs and drink. He has been on the theatre judging panel for London’s Olivier Awards and has a masters degree in English literature, specialising in Elizabethan and Jacobean drama. He has an MA in theatre research, criticism and dramaturgy from the University of London’s Royal Central School of Speech & Drama. You can find him tweeting about theatre as @MarkLudmon and writing about theatre at markludmon.com.
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